Hi all, i am new to this site. *****************************************. They eat money like a vulture and give nothing back. They have destroyed me. Or rather i've probably done that myself chasing the dream. I am on the edge and very much feel like doing myself in. I have tried counselling but nothing helps. I think,eat,sleep gambling i am serioulsy looking for soon good advice because it is killing me not leading a normal life.
Please help
Edited by GamCare
Content removed by Forum Admin.
I agree, fobt's have also ruined me in some way or another.
In fact in my times before when I have quit gambling (online which was my main problem) FOBT'S in bookies always got me. I played because there as so many about and it bought more of my addiction out which lead me to this day being £1000's in debt (mainly to my mum and some to the bank)
I have to realize that when I had recently quit, my slip was on a FOBT, that slip has caused hell, not only have I lost all my money every month (online) but I have just recently lost £200 on my mothers card.
I dont know about everyone else but I dont feel "low" or "bad" because im gutted about a loss, Im having those feelings because no matter how hard I have tried to make things right, no matter how much hard work I have put in, no matter how many pills the doctors gave me for depression I faced when I was trying my best to go gamble free and felt low I always went back....and you know what the reason is??? simply because THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY DO NOT CARE ABOUT PROBLEM GAMBLERS.
my anger is not at myself. It never has been, its always been directly at the casino/bookmaker itself and for the rest of my life will be,
The simple truth is I have "quit" more than most people could ever believe, but I dont send myself an email trying to lure myself in again with a "special" offer (even after unsubscribing), I dont put up signs everywhere outside bookies with some too good to be true offers, I dont broadcast all the tv ads in the daytime getting people to gamble, I dont make the rule that its fine for kids to play on fruit machines in sea side arcades as long as the jackpot isnt over £5, I dont create constant facebook side bar ads with special "facebook member gambling offers" and I dont send myself "exclusive offer" letters in the post... you know who does? THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY.
Until things change I can say I never will be able to change. In the past I have had my problems with drugs (only "soft" drugs), drinking and heavy smoking..... What caused it? The fact I had been crying out for help with gambling and couldnt take it anymore.
Even back then, I was smoking cannabis every day for a year or 2, I spent at least 4 days a week in the pub and I chain smoked 40 a day. Not a great life at all, but everything I took I paid for out of my own pocket and hard work, never went overdrawn, never had debts, always paid rent... The only thing that has ever caused me to steal off family, lose every last penny and owe £10000's over the years in bank charges is gambling.
This is extracts taken from Ladyboys interim results for the half year ended 30 June 2010.
Richard Glynn, Chief Executive, commented:
“One of our key short term objectives has been to improve machine performance.
Through increased management focus, year on year growth rates have already increased
In recent months. Moreover, this morning, we are delighted to announce we have signed
a four year machine supply contract with Global Draw. This contract will cover 95% of our
estate and the rollout will commence in January 2011.”
Business Review
UK Retail
Despite the disruption caused by the supplier trials, total machine gross win grew 2.9%
during the period to £148.0 million with average gross win per gaming machine per week
rising 2.8% to £723 in the first half. The performance in May and June was particularly
encouraging with gross win per gaming machine per week up 7.1% reflecting strong
management focus and the end of the disruption period on Barcrest machines (92% of the
estate). During the period there has been a significant increase in operational focus
including the redeployment of 24 regional managers to focus solely on machines. There
has also been a machine re-siting initiative and, despite a lower number of shops during
the period, there were on average 7,911 terminals versus 7,897 in H1 2009. At 30 June
2010 there were 7,973 machines.
The Group today announces that it has signed a four year machine supply contract with
Global Draw. This contract will cover 95% of our estate and the rollout will commence in
January 2011.
Yet again the main focus of this interim report is FOBT, why is it the main focus, because the money staked on them is vast, far more than over the counter bets. Interesting points from report include:
“One of our key short term objectives has been to improve machine performance.
Through increased management focus, year on year growth rates have already increased
In recent months.”
We need our machines to work effectively so we can take as much money as possible.
“Despite the disruption caused by the supplier trials, total machine gross win grew 2.9%
during the period to £148.0 million with average gross win per gaming machine per week
rising 2.8% to £723 in the first half”
£723 a week 4 machines per shop the return on capital employed must be massive.............daylight robbery.
“During the period there has been a significant increase in operational focus
including the redeployment of 24 regional managers to focus solely on machines”
Employing 24 people to focus solely on machines, Ladyboys think that £723 per week per machine is not enough! I wonder out of the 24 who came up with the free credits idea. It’s disturbing that Ladyboys think they can get more out of already hurting UK punters.
“There has also been a machine re-siting initiative and, despite a lower number of shops during
the period, there were on average 7,911 terminals versus 7,897 in H1 2009. At 30 June
2010 there were 7,973 machines.”
We are closing shops but increasing the availability and amount of terminals.
On a positive note in the last couple of days while looking through theses interim reports I have noticed that the bookies are looking to get the maximum number of machines in the quickest amount of time, they are desperate to get these machines. Is their a reason for this? They must know the impact that the machines are having on people’s lives, their customer’s lives, they also must know that this can’t last forever and it will be more heavily regulated? Are they going for one last big pay day? OR do they expect laws to stay the same and they are just fighting for the bigger market share of the misery? I hope it’s the first option.
Keep The Faith.
Great post defeated. Like I mentioned in a previous post, for the betting companies it's all about FOBT. I have to say I was slightly shocked whilst watching tv last night. I saw the above named company advertising free plays on FOBT....I knew they were advertising in the shop windows but I didn't realise it was on the TV. I too believe that they will be banned....but it may take some time. Russ
When the FOBT was first introduced, you could bet up to a £100 on a number with no limit as to how much you could bet. I remember winning £3,600 as had put £100 on 0 after seeing an advert in a shop offering 0 % interest on purchases.
Now the limit is a maximum win of £500 with a maximum stake of £100 in total. These machines are here to stay. They will not be removed unless gambling is made illegal. Don't forget the Government takes 50% in tax on all profits! You are not just making the bookies rich but are also helping pay off the National Debt.
If you just spent more time thinking about your own recovery and not about the machines you would be doing yourself and everyone else a favour. The drinking industry makes far more in profits but we don't hear alcoholics trying to get drink banned. Live with it!
Actually your wrong RCG,
I remember these machines coming out in 2001 and you could indeed bet a maximum of £100 BUT it was made up of £4 on a single,£8 on a split and £15 on the corners which made a bet of £96 in total and i used to bet it regularly.
If it came in it was a good payout but my memory of it all is me like a zombie desperately trying to feed notes in as fast as i could,it was pathetic.
I agree with your other points though,whilst it is very admirable of people on here trying to get these money grabbing,life killing machines banned,it DEFO wont happen whilst the industry/govt are making big profits from them,cash is king,profits before people,it always has been and maybe always will be the way it is.
The only way to make any strides forward initially is to keep the hell away from them,they are worse than the black plague and then tell as many of your friends the reasons why we should all keep away.
Regards,
"" A NEW LIFE ""
No, it was definitely a £100 bet on zero as I remember it being one of my best wins from the bookies as left with £3,600. Perhaps each bookie had different rules but am glad they changed the rules to limit the amount to a maximum win of £500 as so many people were blowing their life savings.
Just found this on the internet:
"Being responsible and staying safe when playing FOBTs
Remember! GamCare does not wish to restrict the choices or opportunities for anyone to operate, or take part in, gambling activities that are legally available in the UK. But, we ask that you keep the following simple messages in mind when you gamble. We want people to enjoy their recreation and spare time, but do not forget that being responsible is key to staying safe, out of trouble and making sure things remain fun.
>You’re buying fun, not investing your money
>Before playing, set strict limits on how much time and money you’re going to spend
>Quit while you’re ahead
>Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
>Don’t spend more money on gambling with the hope to win back money that you have lost
>Keep up other interests and hobbies - don’t let gambling take over your life
>Don’t gamble in order to escape from stress or boredom
Above all, if you can’t afford to lose; don’t play!
For more information about how GamCare can help support you in addressing your own, or somebody elses gambling problem contact the helpline on 0845 6000 133"
RCG why do you bother ???
Are you on here just to pisz people off????
Everyone who has come on this site, knows there is a problem with these evil machines, but for some reason you stick up for them, are you employed by one of the major high street robbers????
If I was you I would stick to just reading what us desparate addicts have to say, and how we feel the industry could be improved to protect weak
edited by gamcare staff
A sticking plaster is no use when you have had the mental equvalent of a serious road crash.
Something more radical is needed.
Paul
i havent posted in a year bcause i feel gamcare could do a lot more to get these things banned! Its a huge problem on our high streets,even some suicides! Surely we can have the power to change things !>?
Thank you ZOOMA
My friend collapsed in front of an FOBT machine, after loosing everything. Now he has mental health problems.
There must be a logical way of beating them off the high streets.
thanks for many very passioate and interesting post folks. bottom line= if you have had enough of reading about these machines, go to other threads. if you have had enough OF the machines then read and post. this knowledge is too good and helpful to be overlooked or CENSORED.
defeated and Romeo. I think it would be good if we had contact?
best wishes to all regardless of your stance.
3 years on since i started this post and still I havent given up yet
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